Media executive Arinaitwe Rugyendo has endorsed recent anti-corruption actions by Uganda’s local government ministers, arguing that unconventional tactics are necessary to confront entrenched graft networks.
In a statement, Rugyendo defended the approach taken by ministers Balaam Ateenyi and Justine Nameere, who have in recent weeks carried out on-the-ground confrontations with suspected corrupt officials across different districts.
The actions, widely shared on social media, have sparked debate over legality, due process, and effectiveness.
“Anti-corruption methods in local government might appear unorthodox, but that is what you need to confront the type of corruption that has no face, no clear target, no defined paper trail,” Rugyendo said.
He described corruption in Uganda as a deeply rooted system sustained over decades, estimating it as a “Sh9 trillion-a-year graft economy” that cannot be dismantled through conventional measures alone.
“A graft economy of that scale does not need speeches, conferences, electioneering or anti-corruption walks. It needs boots on the ground ready to act,” he added.
The ministers’ recent operations have involved surprise visits, public confrontations, and direct exposure of alleged malpractice, often documented and circulated online.
Supporters argue that the approach has brought urgency and visibility to the fight against corruption, particularly at local government level where oversight is often weak.
However, critics warn that such methods risk undermining institutional processes and could lead to wrongful targeting.
Rugyendo acknowledged these concerns, noting the possibility of “innocent collateral damage” and selective enforcement that may bypass high-level perpetrators.
“This might leave innocent collateral damage in its wake and the strategic bypassing of the biggest fish… but we’ve got to start somewhere,” he stated.
He further called for broader public participation, urging citizens to support anti-corruption efforts through information sharing and civic engagement.
“This fight is not for Balaam and Nameere alone. It is for every Ugandan,” Rugyendo said, cautioning against labeling independent anti-graft activists as enemies of the state.
Rugyendo also framed corruption as a national crisis with direct consequences on public services, including infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
“Corruption kills the common good… when emergency healthcare comes knocking, no one is privileged anymore,” he warned.
He concluded by urging sustained momentum, suggesting that if the ministers maintain their current pace for six months, they could emerge as “persons of the year for 2026.”